PBEM - Episode 377. Scouting and Slow

The player running the thief...er...Scout, wanted to make his foray by himself while the next scrying was going on and it did not go well. BX is unforgiving for being alone and I would have gladly killed him if he was spotted or at least captured. Dice liked him, so he gets to keep playing!

Follows:

THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY SEVEN

(I/C)

Lyra gave a stretch and said, “Well, since Kovid is front line, and yeah, I have a third heal, forgot that Aine blessed me with that, I will heal him again.”

Abraxas gavea side look at Lannis and mentioned, "Señor Konjugal, it may be wise a save una heal por cuando someone goes down.”

“And just what are you implying?” The Magic User asked with an arched eyebrow.

Lyra shook her head. “It’s alright. I can save the larger heal for Abraxas or anyone else that might need it.” She gave an absent shrug. “However, just so everyone knows, I’m going to take myself out of front line. I got walloped pretty hard last time.”

“Si qieremos, yo can beber a potion de Recall. To pick them back arriba!”

“Oui, I agree,” Wyn said, taking one of the 2 Recall potions out and handing it to Lyra. “Priestess, I tink you should drink dis second recall potion to prepare fer later. Du Lac preped de room en you now 'ave some candles, so you should not be so much in de dark next time... maybe also remember what direction you are facing this time.”

“Sounds good to me.” She drank it down, facing the south wall, and placed the empty vial back in her pouch. “I’m good for 24 hours now. And as for Kovid, Aine, give this dwarf a good healing please!” (CLW: 1d6+1, White 5+1=Heal 6 hp!) And white energy flowed over the dwarf, healing him of his wounds. “That should get you feeling better.”

“Thanks, Lass,” he said with a smile.

Grabbing the Scythe and pumping it in the air once, Abraxas said enthusiastically, “Let's go stomp some Gob cabezas. Specifico, Smallpecs."

Brendon held up a hand and pointed south before he realized that no one could see him. “Hang on,” he said, “While I’m unseen and there is some light in the hall, I’d like to get a look around. I’m hoping that it’ll be a quick there and back, but as we know nothing in this place is easy.”

“Aint dat de truth,” Wyn quipped.

“If for some reason I have to move away from that hall I might be in the dark. Wyn it’d be of great use of that continual light on a... coin.”

The elf gave a slow chuckle. “You’ve dropped enuff hints, I can say day. Aight. Aye, du Lac. Iffin you gonna scout, you need light. I gotta save me level 1 spell fer... so you be lucky I got an extra level 2 now! Give me dat copper en I place some everlight on eet.”

Lannis looked around. "So we're just waiting for Captain Scouty Pants to get back for now? Works for me." He shrugged, settled down on the floor, and took out his cat book, looking at the pages one at a time.

Holding the coin, Wyn cast his spell, ending with, “FAIT ETERNUS LUX!” and the coin blossomed to light. “Ere you go.”

“Thanks, Wyn.” He tapped the dwarf, “Kovid let me see the map again please. I’d like everything fresh in my mind before going out.”

“No problem. Give me that coin, I’ll punch a quick hole in it for you.”

While the group was getting everything ready, Brendon practiced slipping the coin under his shirt, in his fist, and under his cloak. He had to hold it tight to drown out the light and his hand was a poor device to do it, the light leaking through his fingers. Even under his shirt there was a telltale glow coming from it. But inside his cloak and wrapped up twice did the trick. “I’m gonna check out the south hall, and if I can, the Sparring room.” He glanced at Wyn, “If you’re hanging out here, maybe listen at both doors. Hopefully I’ll return through the south door. If I do shave and a haircut slow there’s nothing behind me. If I do it fast I’m in trouble.”

The elf nodded, “I'll keep an ear out to de hallway while Monsieur du Lac be scouting de hallways.” Glancing back at Kovid and Abraxas he said, “Leave dis door cracked, s'il vous plait,” indicating the secret door. “I’ll go keep an ear to de udder door.” He indicated on the map the south door of the Summoning Room. “Bonne Chance!” he offered Brendon who made his way (invisibly) to the Summoning Room and then beyond.

The door to the south was closed so he listened to it (no roll) and heard nothing. Carefully he opened it and then moved down the short hall to the next door, listening there as well (also, no roll). Wyn had stopped at the South door and the dwarf and fighter had the secret door opened the smallest crack, waiting and watching.

With the light coin wrapped tight under two layers of his cloak, Brendon entered the main hall and listened, looking around. He could see the light to the west and there was many voices echoing in that direction. But he also suspected that he could hear voices to the east. But the immediate hall was clear. So with great care, he began heading west.

As he approached the light he could see clearer down the hall, and beyond the arch somewhere in front of the two open doors that led to the Sparring chamber, was an armored hobgoblin with a wolf on a chain leash. They were standing in the hall, looking and listening, but also occasionally glancing south through the open door. A whistle was on his neck and he had a broad sword at his side.

Not trusting the chance to get closer to the door to check it out, Brendon inched his way to the arch and glanced south. The webbing had been burned away, only a few charred remains were stuck to the wall. This close he could hear many hobgoblins speaking in their language, and the conversation seemed to be excited about someone called Rampant Zealotry having an audience with Corfard, Joe Fury had taken some hobgoblins down to talk to Mirabellis, and finally still some hunting around for the “key” to the locked door and the trouble they were going to have to replace the hinges and fix the portals since they no longer was able to shut.

Noting the wolf was sniffing the air (Sense, Black 10, missed by 2), Brendon opted to check out the South hall that the goblin patrol had come from. He paced the hall, feeling it was some 45, 50 feet to a door on the east wall. The door was a decent well made one with some worn paint still sticking to it, mostly greens and reds but no discernible pattern any longer. He gave a listen to it and looked further south.

The passage went another dozen plus paces and ended abruptly. There was a brass tub there, 4 feet, and seemingly out of place. Frowning he noted the air had a faint haze to it and whatever was in the tub also gave the air a faint and unpleasant metallic taste (=Save vs Poison, Red 11). By the time he realized there was a problem, the vapors had already gotten into his nose and down his lungs.

He coughed once, muffling it with the cloak, covering the light coin again and realized that his motions seemed slow and measured. (Made save, move slow – half speed. Duration: 2d6 trns: 5+2=7 turns). “Fucking idiot,” he muttered quietly. “Paralytic gas.” He turned, dismayed at how slow his movements were, heading back up the hall. “I’ve got to get the fuck out of here.”

Meanwhile Wyn was at the hall and listening, counting off the minutes slowly. “Fifteen,” he muttered. “Anything more than that and De Lac ‘as a problem.” He could faintly hear noises in the distance but nothing clear. However after some time, he could hear hobgoblin voices coming closer. And they were excited, talking at length with…Mirabellis. “I’m telling you, they never went to the Chapel, Sorceress,” one of the hobgoblins said in its language. “I think they gave us the slip.”

“It’s an elf,” she replied, “What did you think?”

“Anyway, thank you for coming with us. Greesie and her sister didn’t see them come through the Watchtower and we’ve lost them in this area a few times now. I’d like you to come check the summoning circle with us.”

“Merde, merde, merde!” Wyn backed away from the door as the voices grew very close. He guessed at least a dozen were coming. He ran to the secret door, Kovid and Abraxas helped him slip in, and then they shut the door locking it. “We ‘ave company and a problem.”

Faintly through the wall, heavily muffled, they could hear a number of hobgoblin and goblin voices talking as well as Mirabellis answering them.

“It’s not how the circle works…”

“Should look over the room…”

“Duchess did and she found nothing…”

“Again then!”

“I’m not Duchess…”

“Check the room…”

“Bedroom too…”

“TEGERE ARCANUS!”

“…”

“Nothing. No residue either.”

“Portalling elsewhere?”

“Talk to Smallpox…”

“Check there. And check there.”

“Aye, Fury.”

The party was concerned as Wyn indicated it was now almost 20 minutes and Brendon was still not back. “And if’n she ‘as de Detect spell going and he is in her line of sight, dey will see him.”

“We go out then?”

Wyn shook his head. “No. Den we give up dis space and we be cornered. Plus I tink dere be some peoples left to check out de room for secret doors. I tink we just gotta wait.”

“Point of note,” Lanis held up a finger. “I thought this was a terrible plan.”

Brendon was making his back up the hall to the archway when he could hear quite a number of voices in the hall to the east. Inching forward he glanced in that direction and could see at least a dozen figures in the hall with torches, a mix of goblins and hobgoblins. They were congregated around the door that would lead to the Summoning room, looking in and talking excitedly. “Shit,” he thought, hating the fact even his thoughts seemed slow. “Hope they didn’t find the secret door.”

It was almost 10 minutes before even more hobgoblins came out of the room, along with Mirabellis! She was walking amidst the entirety of them, heading down the hall to the west…in his direction.

“Fuuuuuucccccck,” he groaned, turning back around the corner and heading south as quickly and as quietly as his slowed body could go. After making it barely 15’, he wormed his way into crack in the castle stonework, praying that it was enough to make him even less noticeable. He then held his breath and waited (Normally no roll needed to Hide in Shadows when Invisible, but you have a magic cloak, ring, short sword, and are invisible so are also ‘magical’ – and she had Detect Magic going. <Hide -10% penalty. Red 05 – you lucky assed son of a bitch – I would have gladly captured your ass right now). He could hear at least 15 figures march their way past the archway, no one giving his direction more than a cursory glance.

“Nothing to report, Optio Fury,” the hobgoblin in the hall said.

“Excellent. Is the Artificer in?”

“Aye. He and his crew are convinced the infidels are going to chance coming back and they are hoping to be ready for them. Sorceress.”

“Good job. Remember, I want the wizard and the girl alive. The elf can go to the Blessed One. But the other two…TOUCHED MY STUFF!!!” her voice was shrill and crazed sounding. “And TERRIFIED MY CHILD!!!” her voice grew loud again. “And for that, I have at least a week worth of painful ideas I want to do them before I repurpose parts of him to WIPE MY ASS and she can spend some time stapled to my wall as she REPLACED MY LOST CHILD!!!!”

It grew quiet as the hobgoblins and goblins said nothing, waiting for Mirabellis to wind down. Once she had her anger under control, she let out a ragged breath and said, “Ok, let’s go talk to Smallpox.”

Thinking to himself, “now, now, now,” Brendon circled around the corner from the Ishtari arch and moved as quickly as his slowed body could towards the Summoning room again. (Wolf sense: Black 5). He heard some sniffing from the hall behind and the scrabbling of claws. Looking back he could see the wolf was pulling at its chain lead, the Hobgoblin looking at it with a questioning look. “What do you smell, girl?” it asked, walking slowly, letting the wolf have its lead.

“Fuuuuuucccck!” Brendon thought, making his way to the door finally to the short hall and heading up it, thankful to everything that someone had left the door open. He was most of the way down the hall and almost in the summoning room, thinking he’d see Wyn there, when he stopped dead in his tracks. A hobgoblin was looking over the north wall, tapping at it lightly with a small hammer and listening. “Fuuuuucccckkk!!” He was going to go back but the wolf and other hobgoblin were right outside the door, the wolf still whining and sniffing and the hobgoblin handler calling out, “Anyone in there?”

With his back to the wall, Brendon slid south again, just getting between the door and the wall at the south door as the hobgoblin and wolf entered the short hall…and the one from the Summoning room entered the hall from the north. “Ah! Griz! It’s you.”

“Ya,” the north hob answered. “What’s up.”

“Girl here smelled something. Came to look. What you doing in there?”

“Looking for other doors.”

“Ain’t any.”

“Still had to look. Orders.”

“Ah. Then that makes sense.” Brief pause. “I have to get back to post.”

“Fury go that way?”

“Yeah, he took Dragongirl with him and they were talking to the Master Runt.”

“I’m coming. Want to hear some good fucking idea on where these damned Infidels are. Enough is enough. Find them, Kill them. No more fucking around.”

“You and me both, Brother. Blessed Corfard is getting unhappy with the results as of late.”

Brendon watched as the two of them walked out of the south door, taking the wolf with them, and headed west down the hall. Moving with exaggerated slowness, he was almost sobbing as he crossed the short hall and entered the Summoning Room. He made his way to the northeast corner and tried to knock “shave and a hair cuts” rapidly on the wall but the poison was retarding his movements and he was tapping very slow. “Open,” he muttered, looking behind him. “Open.”

From inside, the group could hear Brendon’s knock after almost 10 terrifying minutes of SOMEONE tapping at the wall, looking for a hollow spot and hoping to discover the secret door. It had grown quiet for almost 5 minutes but now they could hear Brendon’s knock. “Thank de gods,” Wyn muttered foot reaching for the release plate.

It was at that moment that coming out of the open door to the former Orc chamber, a lone goblin emerged, brows beetled, heading for the invisible Brendon and saying, “Say? What was that knocking?”

And just as the wall began to open, it stumbled into the Scout who had grabbed his short sword, and slowly drew it. As it cleared the scabbard, he lunged forward, sparking into view as the secret door opened, Wyn saw the goblin, the goblin saw Wyn, and the entire mess was about to blow up as Brendon’s blade (>+4 to hit, +4 invis surprise backstab, -2 slow, Red 18) stabbed into the greenskin’s neck and tore upward (1d6+1 Damage x2: red 4+1=5 x2 = 10 and killed!), severing its vocal cords and covering him with its spraying blood.

“Zut alors!” Wyn gasped as Brendon slowly wrapped one hand around the goblin, pinning it to his chest, keeping its cries silenced against him as it died.

“Get…me…in!” he gasped, trying to speak faster but unable to. The party dragged the Scout and the dying…dead goblin into the secret hall and then shoved the door closed before anyone else could possibly hear them.

“What the fuck happened? You were gone almost 25 minutes.”

In a slow and halting voice, Brendon described what he had seen and encountered, as well as his current condition, getting a feedback from the rest of the party of what they heard. Lyra looked the Scout over and shook her head. “Nothing I can do for this. He’s lucky, it could have paralyzed you, you know. Got a good lungful too. I’d say you have a good 50 minutes before you get all your range of motions back.”

Closing the cat book, Lannis shook his head and scowled. “Now what?”

Time now is Day 9, 8:41 AM

XP: Brendon 50 xp (solo misadventure)

Kovid, 150 xp (first guy with the extra credit)

Now what? Will they note the goblin is missing? What will Smallpox and Mirabellis come up with? Piddles was NOT with her, FYI. Wait for Brendon to get over his poisoning? Let me know!

PBEM - Episode 376. Wolves, Darkness, and Scrying

Whether its at the table, or on email - there is always those players that fail to note their new skills or abilities or just over look them, and its up to the rest of the party to remind them of it.

Follows:

THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY SIX

(I/C)

(Track/Ruse? Black 15 – no)

Lannis swept some of the grit away from a section of the floor, folded his robe underneath him, and sat down with care. We reached into his pack and withdrew the crystal ball and the stand, setting them up in front of him. Wyn rubbed his chin clean and blew out a tight sigh. “Monsieur Offop, I be hopin' ye crystal ball cen show ye sometin good. Whatcha gonna check on? Gob room? Dat gob artificer?”

Wiping the fingerprints off the ball, Lannis gave the crystal a critical look before satisfied, placing it back before him. "While not my first choice,” he said with a frown, “I'll see what Smallpox is up to. Wherever he is, it’s sure to be illuminating.”

Brendon had taken out one of his balls of yarn, handing Lyra his healing potion, “Excuse me Mi’lady.” He said, making his way to the side of the chamber by the Throne Room. Unraveling the ball, he let it lay on the ground on a clump, indicating that this side was the Throne room side. “I’m going to hang out here while you all get healed and Lannis is a scrying. Maybe Lyra should drink another recall potion just to be safe.”

“Thanks Brendon,” the Cleric said with a smile, giving the potion a quick glance. “Potions and the yarn is a big help. Place is dark as heck.” 

Snapping his fingers, Lannis reached into his pack with drew out 2 slowburn candles. “Reminds me. Hey! Whistlejacket! Since you're under the mistaken impression that horses can see in the dark, here,” he tossed them to Lyra, “take these two slow burn candles."

(Add 2 Slowburn Candles [2] to inventory. “Thanks, Lannis.” She looked around the room. “So what’s the plan? I got two heals and a heal that takes a while. And we have a whole ass day ahead of us.”

"Señora Lytra, si tienes una heal por mi,” Abraxas asked, “yo will gladly take it, por favor.”

“Ahem,” Kovid cleared his throat, “Three.”

“What?” She asked.

“You have 3 1st level spells,” Kovid pointed out. “Remember? You went up in level?”

“I know that. I was SAYING I have 3, and I was gonna save one, and use TWO. Sure! That’s right! I am always looking at my sheet and making sure I know my capabilities at all times.” She waved Abraxas and Kovid closer. “Here. Let’s do this. Aine! Drop a cure on me, Goddess!” A wave or white energy flowed over the Cleric (CLW: 1d6+1: White 3+1=Lyra heal 4 hp!). “Great! And let’s do the same for the Main Fighter Abraxas as well, Goddess of Summer!” another wave flowed out over Abraxas (CLW: 1d6+1: White 4+1=Heal 5 hp!). 

“Gracias Señora!”

She then took the potion Brendon had given her and popped the top, handing it to Kovid, “And for you, my thirsty friend, drink up!” (Healing potion, 1d6. Yellow 3 – Kovid heal 3!) The dwarf swallowed his potion and sighed in relief.

“Welp,” she said dusting off her hands, “here’s to hoping this is enough. I always have the bigger heal just in case.”

“And one more Cure Light,” Kovid reminded her.

“Yes! I know that. And 1 more cure. Of course.”

“You are just terrible at this aren’t you?” Lannis asked from his place in front of the crystal ball.

“Shut it, Manmeat,” she snapped at him. She pointed to her puffy lip and bruised face. “This is STILL your fault.”

“Says you, Rihanna,” he pointed to his own bloody wound. “Hobgob whacked me and you don’t see me sobbing over it.”

Listening to the secret door as well, Wyn shook his head, “Dat was a close one. Did not expect dat many goblins to still be around... Sure glad dat we cut off any additional chance for reinforcements to come here.”

Abraxas was checking the edge of his Scythe for burrs and scratches while we waited. “Pienso we should go back a room de Smallpox y finish off whoever es still hay. Señor Loinus, que do tu miras? Que es hay?"

“I have no fucking idea what the hell you ask me sometimes.” Lannis absently waved his hand in the Fighter’s direction. “I assume it’s either is my jockstrap on too tight in which case the answer is no, or what do I see and the answer to that is nothing yet. Give me a few more minutes. I am forcing my will to bend space and time and open a clairvoyant window through the ethersphere with my awesome intellect and dizzying magical potential while using this spherical crystal imbued with ancient sorceries as a focus to get it done. So pardon me if it takes a few extra minutes to happen. It allows you to count to 20 twice without taking your shoes off.”

Giving Lannis a mocking headshake from behind his field of vision, Wyn addressed the Fighter’s suggestion. “I tink headin back to dat room makes sense… As long as dey fell for me ruse. Less hobs en gobs de better, oui?”

“Excellent getaway folks, but we bit off more than we could chew that time,” Kovid rubbed his butt tenderly, grimacing at the still painful area. “And the wolf took the rest... ouch!”

“Good ting gobs ain't too smart, amiright dwarfriend?”

“That’s the truth.” Kovid unlaced the front of his armor and let the pants drop away. He then rooted around the backway for a bit and whistled loudly. “Damn it! Rotten fleabag was barely a handwidth away from biting my tenders!”

“Oh stop it,” Lannis muttered. “You’re a dwarf so everything seems smaller. Including your tallywhacker. If he bit a regular person I’m sure it would be like TWO hand widths away.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Big Brain,” Kovid shook his head, lacing his armor back in place. “I’ll say this much, Next wolf gets special treatment from me first before it has a chance to nibble on my nethers, by Thor!”

“Stow it, alright?” Lannis asked (<Int Check, Pink 10). “I’m getting something.”

The group gathered around the wizard as the crystal ball seemed to be filled with roiling smoke. “Alright. Let’s get this clear. Ugh. Ok. And yep! I can see Smallpox. He’s looking around a small room with an opening leading to a larger room on one wall…yep! He’s in that other room where the wolves and the Spinner came from.”

“What’s going on? What’s there?”

“There are two other goblin in that room with him, and looks like they loaded up and prepared two crossbows. Looks like a warren the goblins use to sleep in, but smaller. Maybe this is just for Smallpox and his closest? There’s a chest, pretty battered but there is some ropes wrapped around it. Couple of beat up chairs. Weapon rack. Looks like they put the Spinner hammer back on the rack, that’ll be fun later.”

“What else?”

“Couple of small pots it looks like on a low table, papers with some goblin chicken scratches on it. Big metal cage filled with…mice.”

“Mice?”

“Yeah. And looking at him…Hmmm, He’s got that gauntlet on this time. Couple of candles in the room. Has one funky boot on as well, it’s red. He seems to be talking to the goblins with him, hard to tell, but there are others in the next room also listening to him. They are reaching into their pockets and…they are carrying mice. Every goblin is swapping the mice out in their pockets for other mice in the cages.”

“What the fuck for?” Kovid asked. “Gonna throw them at us?”

(Magic User, Int>14, no roll) “No. That’s why my sleep spell did so poorly. It target the goblins, sure. But they were also carrying mice on them and the extra ‘oomph’ the spell might have had was wasted on putting the mice to sleep as well.”

“Smart fish,” Wyn muttered.

“Goblins, Senor. Not pez.”

“Aaand, it’s dark now.” Lannis rubbed his eyes and sat up. “Ok. Smallpox is still in there. But they’ve faced us enough times to know that sleep is a part of our tactics and have taken steps to weaken that.” He looked around. “I have 2 more scrys if you want me to do one, or we take a chance and head back there now and whack them while they aren’t expecting it.”

Time now is Day 9, 8:11 AM

(OOC)

And now you know! What’s the plan?

PBEM - Episode 375. Wolves, Darkness, and Scrying

THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE

(I/C)

Whirling back and seeing the enemy begin to crowd around the web, Wyn called out, “Offop! Wait a sec. FAIT LUX!”, sending a blast of orange light to slam into the southeast corner of the Goddess Intersection, and radiate bright light, giving the enemy there a brief dazzling and more importantly, fouling up their clear line of sight for the rest of the party.

“Someone get this hairy tick off my ass!” Kovid growled, still running as the wolf continued to worry at him.

Meanwhile Lannis had run up to the door, out of breath and looking over his shoulder as he had passed Abraxas who was waiting there, Scythe upraised, for the dwarf to come close. "Well I just found several new reasons to run faster! At least the road ahead is clear! Right Wen?"

Whispering to Lannis, Wyn said, “Ok. Go quietly,” nudging the north door open with his foot. Louder he called out, “Oi! Dwarf! You done wit de loup yet? I am going to shoot one of the goblins over there with my bow!” And then he snapped one of his arrows in half.

From his side he could hear Brendon whisper, “I’m here,” getting a smile from both Lannis and Wyn. “I’m with you, Big Brain. Get the doors open.”

“I’m sure Lyra’s waiting for us,” Lannis said, pushing through the short hall to the Summoning room next.

“Fucking damn Thor blast it all to shit!” Kovid had adopted a pretty nasty limp by this point. Raising his hammer high, he pivoted to the wall, pinned the wolf there, and began beating at it as he tried to scrape it off. “Die! Mangy cock bastard! Get OFF my ass! Rrrahh!!” (>+6 to hit, -2 awkward angle, Yellow 20, Critical – Max damage. 8+3=11 and killed!) He caught the wolf on the flank, breaking its hip. It let the dwarf go and he then stood before it and like a lumberjack splitting wood, brought his hammer high over his head and then SLAMMED it down repeatedly, crushing the wolf’s back, upper shoulder, and then its head.

Clapping the wild eyed dwarf on the shoulder, Abraxas turned Kovid to the side and goaded him along, giving the mangled animal ad salute, saying, "Adios Lobo. Esta un dolor en el culo. Vamonos amigos. A el chapel de Thyestra! Andalé, andalé, arriba!"

From the hall we could hear the hobgoblin calling for someone to “bring a damned torch!” along with the sound of splintering wood and cheering sounds. Wyn continued to sell the ruse, calling out, “Ugh really? A broken arrow? Damn! No time! Got to get to the chapel! Cover dat light as you go so they can’t shoot you, dwarfriend!”

Kovid slipped the lantern under his cloak as he ran to the door, the Fighter leaning with him. Meanwhile Wyn dropped half the broken just east of the Garden door and a short jog allowed him to drop the other half most of the way down the hall. The whistling was shrilly sounding (WMC: Red/Black 6 – no) and Wyn did not want to wait to see if anyone was coming to investigate, so he ran back to the north hall and gingerly and quietly, pulled the door shut amidst the sound of the roaring goblin voices from down the hall.

Meanwhile in the dark, Lyra held her hands in front of her and started walking forward in the pitch blackness, cursing, “Oh for fucks sakes.” As soon as her hand encountered a wall (Random direction dice: Black west), she extended her right hand and started sidling in that direction, groping blindly for another corner. “I hate this castle.” It took some time and there were muffled sounds somewhere in the darkness, letting her imagine that her friends were out there somewhere and coming closer. “Where in Aine’s name is it?” she wondered, eventually touching the other wall.

“Finally!” She then felt around the floor, hoping to stumble upon the wall latch that would open it (>Half Wis, White 17), but she was unsure if she was even on the correct wall and was growing demoralized when she heard plainly from the wall she was fumbling with, the telltale knock of “shave and a hair cut”.

“Thank the gods,” she muttered, raising her voice slightly. “Is that you?”

“Let us in,” Lannis hissed back at her from the other side, joined by Brendon adding, “It’s us, My Lady. Don’t know how long the ruse will hold up, but please open it up please!”

Feeling more confident that that was the correct wall, she dropped to her hands and knees and felt around until she came up the metal plate near the base. “Gotcha,” she said, placing one foot on it and then standing up and stepping down. The locking pin lifted and the entire door swung out with a gritty groan.

Light flowed in and she squinted briefly, seeing the rest of the party had limped in and Wyn was quietly shutting the second door. Abraxas and Kovid both looked pretty hurt (13/35 and 17/37 remaining) and she was feeling pretty raw as well (10/26 remaining) but the group was all together again. “Come in,” she ordered the party, “before the hobgoblins…”

“And goblins,” Lannis added. “More goblins! Because, why not.”

“Ugh. Before everyone finds us.”

Time now is Day 9, 8 AM

(OOC)

Monster XP: 5 Goblins @ 20 xp, divided

2 wolves @ 65 xp divided

1 Hobgoblin @ 35 xp divided

Spinner @ 100 xp

Lyra add 60 xp

Brendon add 61 xp

Abraxas add 90 xp

Lannis add 100 xp

Wyn add 115 xp

Kovid add 120 xp

Ok – assuming going to secret hall and shutting door? Scrying? Something else? What’s the plan?

PBEM - Episode 374. Wolves, Darkness, and Scrying

THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR

(I/C)

Giving the wolf biting at his ankles a stomp to drive it back, Wyn hollered out, “H'okay... we got de info we needed mes amis. Time to get out of 'ere!”

“Bit busy here!” Lannis cried out, struggling to avoid being hit by the hobgoblin again.

“Lyra…,” giving the Cleric a pointed glance, the elf said, “We meet you back at de base.”

“Are... you guys sure?” she asked, looking around at the deteriorating situation.

The elf nodded and called out, “Offop, I got ye front covered... get dat door open!”

As he shifted his shield to his off hand he gathered his legs beneath him and went to take off. Lyra stepped in front of the wolf with her flail upraised and smashed it down at the lupine in order to distract it from going after the elf who charged the Hobgoblin fighting the Magic User.

 "Thanks Wyn,” Lannis sighed happily, “I always liked you, I always knew everyone else was wrong about you."

Running across the chamber, the elf was shouting, “Ave at de, ye scurvy louves en hobs! I wave my private parts at ye auntie! I blow my nose at ye, ye son of a silly person. I fart in ye general direction! Ye modders were ‘amsters! En ye fadders smelt of elderberries!” (BX Baby, Shield bash behind the door, -4 Str check, <Orange 4 – yes!) As the hobgoblin turned to face him, Wyn sprung forward and holding the shield with both arms (>+4 to hit, +2 BX Baby, Orange 14) leapt up and smashed the heavy metal and wood shield into the brute’s face (1d2+1 Damage, Orange 1+1=2 Damage and stunned 1 round!). There was a horrible CLANG as he struck, and the hob rebounded off the back wall just as Lannis got the door open. To add insult to injury, both the Magic User and the Elf slapped the door again into the hobgoblin’s face, further spread its nose across his cheek, making it howl in pain.

From his position across the chamber, Abraxas chuckled and called out, “Vamonos Amigos. Last one out es un hombre muerte!” swinging his Scythe at full extension in an effort to clear the area ahead of him.

Lyra swung her flail repeatedly as she pulled the empty Recall vial from her pouch. Her blows were strong as she slammed the Lolthian weapon brutally against the wolf’s flank (>+4 to hit, White 19), the sound of the weapon cracking as it slammed into the animal’s flesh (1d6+1+1 Damage, White 6+1+1=8 Damage!). It howled in pain, its eyes flashed red as it made to tear into the Cleric. “See you back at the base!” she said and dropped the vial, disappearing in a popping flash.

“Arrgghh!” Smallpox cried out. “STOP THEM!!”

With the door open, Lannis was already in the hall, Wyn a second behind him, the elf announcing loudly, “Quick! To Theystra's Chapel! Dey won't be able to get inta de doors, en we cen make it out de secret way!” before running down the hall after the Magic User. “Web?” he asked quietly.

“Fuck yeah. Can’t save it if I’m dead. Let’s get to the intersection. Please let no one be there!” And Lannis poured on a burst of speed.

“Just because,” Kovid said, charging past the wolf and giving it a swing with his hammer (>+6 to hit, Yellow 2), but missing as the lupine dodged to the side. The dwarf pressed on for the door as more hobgoblin’s were entering the room.

Just to Abraxas’ right, he could hear Brendon quietly say, “Let’s go, Doc,” the invisible Scout running quietly across the chamber, taking advantage of the momentary clearing to get out of the room.

“Andalé, rapido, rapido.” The Fighter turned and ran for the door, one of the goblin’s getting a swing at the Fighter (<+0, Green 6), but hitting air instead. He had his Scythe ahead of him, driving it at the hob, “Y por tu,” (>+8 to hit, Blue 8…>+8 to hit, Blue 17), “mucho dolor!” (1d8+4 damage, Blue 7+4=11 and killed!...1d8+4 Damage,. Blue 7+4=11 and still killed!!) His scythe ripped the hobgoblin’s chest wide open, the stunned figure screaming as its lungs were exposed to the air, followed a moment later going silent as he shifted the blade up and decapitated the hobgoblin as he ran out the door, the head bouncing along behind him, bobbling near his feet. “Outward y onward amigos!"

(Force Door. 2/6 this round. 5, 5, 4 – no!! 3/6 next round) The group ran on, and they could hear the hobgoblin’s smashing at the doors, the planks splintering and bowing out, but both doors and the locks still holding for now. As they ran, the wolf was the fastest enemy out the door, tearing around the corner and growling as it gave chase, nipping at the dwarf’s heels as they ran on (>+3 to hit, Green 3). At least 2 of the hobgoblins had just made it out of the room and we could hear the screaming as more were giving chase.

As the intersection, running faster than the rest of the party, Lannis whirled around, already getting his spell ready, hoping to blast it just past the party and choke the hall with webs as well as encompassing the eastern most of the Hobgoblin doors. (WMC: Pink 1 – yes! Dir? Black South. What? Red/Black 4. Number? 2d6: White 5+4=9, Distance? 50’)

But he could hear from the corridor to his left goblin voices. Many of them. Shouting. And running in his direction. “Fuck! Fucking shit I HATE this fucking Castle!” He started skipping backwards, changing his plan for the web spell to now encompass the south and west passages as best he could, hoping to stop the hobgoblins AND the new goblin horde running our way. “Don’t Stop!” he roared out, “MORE goblins coming from down there!”

“Merde!” “Shit!” “Thor’s Hemmorhoids!”

The group put on a burst of speed, running down the hall, Abraxas actually pulling ahead of Kovid as the Fighter ran on, moving with great alacrity since he had dropped most of his gear back at the vault. Kovid tried to hit the wolf as he ran (<+6 to hit, Yellow 6), backswinging his hammer and cursing, “Get the fuck off me, ya flea bitten winter coat!”

The party ran through the intersection as the goblins were closing and the hobgoblins were closing, and Lannis poured his power out and shouted, “IN ARACHNE REIF!” and the intersection was filled with crisscrossing strands of thick sticky webbing running back and forth from wall to corner to ceiling to floor. Wyn had arrived at the door that would lead north to Alha’s chamber, looking back in the gloom at the party catching up to him.

And the wolf who had been on the dwarf’s tail the entire time, leapt up and bit the dwarf in the ass (>+3 to hit, White 20 – Critical, Max damage – take 6!), grabbing a chunk of flesh in its teeth and from the base of the buttocks to the top of the back of the thigh…VERY damned close to his…man bits. “AHH!H!H!H!!H GRRRRAHHH!!!!” He cried out, running on as he was dragging the wolf who was hanging from his backside as the enemy drew closer and was shouting their heads off, one of the blowing a whistle shrilly again and again.

Meanwhile, inside the secret hallway, Lyra found herself in the pitch black with no light, some noises sounding from somewhere in the impenetrable gloom, the Cleric having her hands in front of her hoping to find a wall. “Fucking shit,” she cursed. “This is a SHITTY situation! And I know that I have NO light sources on me either!”

Time now is Day 9, 7:57 AM

(OOC)

Lyra, in the hall in the dark – you don’t know which direction you are facing. What’s the plan? You know you need to find the south wall and open it with the foot release. Just need to get there. And I checked, you don’t even have a candle. Rest of you, Kovid, the wolf is still savaging you and on your tail. Wyn you are at the door between the garden and the orc room. Abraxas you are close to the door. Brendon, you are still invisible. There are at least 5 hobs in the hall and 9 gobs coming from south, not counting whoever is still back there in the rooms. And they are blowing a signal whistle. Go go go!

PBEM - Episode 373. The Trouble with Goblins

Group figured they had bitten off more than they could chew and were hoping to get away and soon. I tell my players all the time - RETREAT is always an option!!

Follows:

THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY THREE

(I/C)

“Fucking THANKS Lannis,” Lyra snarled, frantically trying to block the blows raiding about her, “This is exactly where I want to die.”

"Not my fault!” Lannis had a dart out, looking to see which foe was the best target. “Maybe we should consider using the hallway to our advantage? Cut down on their numbers."

From the door, the Hobgoblin there yelled back, “Get that doorway opened! They’re looking to get to the hall and cut down on out numerical advantage!”

We heard the sound of the slamming sounds and a hobgoblin voice called back, “We’re on it! Kill any mages or clerics you see!”

“Oh for fuck’s sake!” Lannis cursed. “You CANNOT use our tactics and plans against us!”

Shoving his way forward from the wolf attacking him, Wyn tried to step in front of Lyra, “Priestess! Get behind moi! I give ye time to request de l'aide d’Aine! It cennot wait until mañana!”

“Do you green shits, shit green?” Kovid laughed, pouring on the strikes against the last goblin (=+6 to hit, Yellow 7), “I bet you do when you see me coming.” He battered and slapped the greenskin repeatedly, dazing it before ending it with a double blow (1d8+3 Damage, Yellow 7: 10 Damage and killed!) that had its pelvis smashed and then it chest caved in. “Ha! That’s two already!” he crowed as he skipped forward to try and help Lyra who was giving ground, pressed on by 5 foes.

“Lannis, hand me the oil,” Brendon had his hand out while he had another vial is his other hand.

“Please? Give me the oil please?!”

“Oh, please, just please!!” Taking the oil, he quickly downed the potion while hiding behind the mage’s hat, then holding the vial up high, he caught Smallpox’s gaze and shouted, “Screw this! I’m OUT!” as he faded from view, making it look like he had used a Recall potion instead of invisibility.

“Lady Aine!” Lyra was finally able to get her holy symbol up, pointing it out and calling, “HOLD these persons before me!” (1d4: White 2. Save vs spells <Bl 13, <Bl 10) A wave of white energy flew out and hit two of the Hobgoblins, freezing them in their tracks! “Ha! Take that!”

Wyn had lunged past Lyra and skewered the wolf still saving the cleric (>+6 to hit, Orange 17), the short sword slamming through the lupine’s chest and piercing its heart (1d6+1 damage, Orange 3+1=4 and killed!) “Got him mes amis!”

Meanwhile Abraxas was hoping to get to Smallpox, the goblin artificer cursing at the ‘recalled’ Brendon and instead shifted his aim over at the Fighter. But the goblin in front of him made a number of wild dives (<+8 to hit, Blue 3), avoiding being hit. Abraxas closed, shoving and driving as best he could (Combative Strength: Abraxas Blue 8 (under 10) vs Goblin White 16 (Over 8)), forcing the battle further south (5’ shove).

With no obvious wounded people around him, Lannis reversed his grip on the dart and hurled it at the Hobgoblin at the door (>+3 to hit, Pink 16), the heavy projectile slapping the brute deep in the upper chest, making it hiss (1d3 Damage: Pink 6: 3 damage!). “You piece of shit!”

The goblin that had been in front of Lyra, had moved with her during the combat, and was shoved further aside as the hobgoblins had come in, so instead turned its attention to slowing Abraxas down along with the other one. Now facing two of the greenskins, Abraxas spun his Scythe in a figure 8, deflecting stabs, slashes, and cuts from all angles (+0 to hit..<Green 16..<Green 15), getting only a few bruised knuckles and a thump or two against his thighs, no real damage.

The wolf on Wyn continued to try and rip and tear at the elf (<+3 to hit, White 12), getting close enough to make him cringe and slam his shield in place, but was able to avoid most of the real damage. 

The 2 slingers in front of Smallpox each loaded up stones and let them fly, hoping to further take the fighter down (+1 to hit..<White 10..<White 4), the stones clanging as they hit, but bounced free.

Yelling to the two Cauldron goblins in their own language, Smallpox shouted, “Wake those sleepers up now! No more throwing water!” The two of them came around the cauldron, abandoned their pails, and each took to slapping and pinching the two sleeping goblins, waking them up from their slumber. “HA!” the artificer cried out, firing the heavy crossbow at the fighter (>+3 to hit, Steel 19), the recoil knocking the goblin back into the wall and making him grunt in effort. But the shaft hit Abraxas solidly (1d8 Damage, Red/Black 6...Damage Deflection <Purple 5..Half Damage take 3 Damage and -4 on next to hit), only Abraxas rolling back with the impact allowed it to bruise his flesh beneath the armor instead of punching through to damage him. “Stand still!” Smallpox growled, dropping the Crossbow and then reaching around the corner and grabbing another one already cocked and loaded. “One of you bastards come and get this one ready!” he called out in their language to the 2 goblins who just woke up.

There were two hobgoblins that had made it into the room, and one of them, “You get the bitch. I’ll get the wizard!” and dove for Lannis, its short spear leading the way (>+3 to hit, Teal 10), slicing through the wizard’s robes and scoring a tracing line in his flesh beneath (1d6+1 Damage, Pink 1+1= Take 2 Damage!). “I’ll cut you up one slice at a time, wizard!”. The other one continued its assault on Lyra (>+3 to hit, Steel 15), hitting the Cleric three times in rapid succession, only her shield and quickness saved her from getting her head staved in (1d6+1 Damage, White 1+1=2 Damage!) .

Two more hobgoblins were at the door, pushing their way past the two Held figures, meanwhile (1-3 abandon door, 4-6 force it open, Green 5) we could hear repeated smashing and forcing of the doors to the hall (1/6 chance: 3, 5, 6 – not forced this round), but the stout timbers and sturdy lock for now.

(Initiative 2 vs 2 – tie. Reroll. Party Steel 6 vs Enemy Red/Black 3 – 3rd time you guys have won initiative).

Time now is Day 9, 7:54 AM

(OOC)

Ok! Abraxas has 2 in front of him, there are 4 up to his left, 2 more with slings beyond and then Smallpox with a Crossbow. Wyn has a wolf on him, Lyra has a Hobgoblin, Lannis has a hobgoblin. Kovid is free for a moment. There are 2 hobs Held for now, and 2 more Hobs coming into the room. From the Hob sparring room, we could hear at least 3 breaking down the front doors and there might be more. You guys go! Brendon, you are invisible and are marked on the map by the orange ball in your effort to get to Smallpox. The battle is very tight were you are and you are right next to Abraxas.

PBEM - Episode 372. The Trouble with Goblins

THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO

(I/C)

“Well,” Kovid grunted, turning a blow with his greave, “We wanted a fight.”

“This got shitty real fast,” Lannis agreed, drawing his Ishtari rod and frowning at the counter.

The dwarf traded blows with the 2 greenskins before him, giving a forlorn look at Lyra’s plight, before bristling his beard and concentrating on one of them. “Just…”he swung hard, knocking its club to the side. “A Little…” his swing reversed, Theystran Hammer clipping the goblin in the shoulder. “Perfect!” (>+6 to hit, Yellow 13) As the goblin stumbled forward the smallest amount, it was enough for Kovid to line up and overhead swing and crack the anklebiter on the top of the skull (1d8+3 Damage, Yellow 5+3=8 and killed!!). It gave forth a warbling, “Gronk!” noise not unlike a goose before it struck the ground and died slowly at the dwarf’s feet. “By the way, Brendon,” he immediately fought off the next goblin, calling back the Scout, “I have that naphtha if you want a firestorm in here."

“Thanks, Lil Man!” The scout replied, eyeing the open door and shadows approaching, while loading up another arrow. “After I take out Smallpecker, I’ll take you up on it.”

Slinging his bow back over his shoulder, Wyn skipped over the wolf’s bites and drew Alha’s sword and his shield, already looking for a good opening, “Ugh... just when you tink you got rid of de vermin... here’s hopin’ dis be de lasting dem.”

“Wolves or goblins?” Abraxas asked from his place with the Spinner.

“Goblins of course. Le loup are noble creatures part o de environment. Goblins are like de green stuff dat grows at de edge of de pond in de summer.” He hacked down, stabbing and spearing with the enchanted blade (<+6 to hit, Orange 2), and although he caught fur a few times, couldn’t get a telling blow.

Giving the goblin that was fighting her and blocking the door a haughty sneer, Lyra gave all her concentration at the wolf assaulting her, “Just like a bunch of garbage eating rat faced fucking goblins to get dogs to fight their battles.” (>+4 to hit, White 16) Her flail whirled in a silvery arc, ripping through the air before impacting against the wolf before her (1d6+1+1 Damage, White 6+2=8 Damage!). It howled in agony as something most likely was very bruised if not broken, inside. Its jaws snapped close to her hands as she continued to fight it, but to her practiced eyes, the wolf was in bad shape.

With his Scythe held as a counterbalance, Abraxas kept ducking and dodging the Spinner’s attacks, the heavy metal ball making cracking sounds as it clipped against the shaft of his weapon or just edged against his armor. However, when the opportunity came up, he held his weapon at full extension and let it slip just over the fanatical goblin’s attack (>+8 to hit, Blue 15). The Morrigaan weapon tore through the leather armor with ease and left a bloody line at least two feet long in the green flesh behind (1d8+4 Damage, Blue 4+4=8 Damage!). The Spinner wobbled a bit, but the swing (Dex check, Blue 16 – failed) threw Abraxas off balance and he fell to the ground amidst the soapy water (-4 to AC until up).

“Finish him!” Smallpox ordered from the back of the room.

“YahaYahaYAHA!” The Spinner answered, drool running down its chin. It picked up speed, ball making a whizzing sound through the air as it got ready to smash it against the prone fighter.

“Wow!” Lannis exclaimed from the door. “Magic resistant goblins; that's not fair, that's not fair at all.” He sighed and pointed the rod at the Spinner, “I guess I should do something else to help then." He squeezed the handle and the Ishtari weapon sparked in his hand (# d3+1, Pink 6:3+1 = 4 bolts) and 4 bolts tore out and slammed across the room (+6 to hit..>Pink 20 (critical), >Pink 17, >White 16, <White 8). The Spinner howled in agony as he was struck again and again, 3 of them finding home in his flesh as he gyrated like a mad top (Critical Max Damage 6, Blue 6, Pink 2 – 14 total points of damage and killed!!). It gave a final scream as it pitched to the side and fell over dead, its grip on the spinning weapon let free (Direction dice: Black NE).

“NO!!” Smallpox cried out.

The weapon flew like a shot (>+2 to hit, Black 20 – Critical, Max Damage 8+1: 9 to LYRA!!) where it struck the cleric like a gong, throwing her to the side where she bounced off the wall, splitting her lip open, and most likely cracking a rib.

“AHAHAHHAHAH!! “ Lannis roared with laughter. “HAHAHHAH! I SWEAR I didn’t plan that! I SWEAR!!! HAhAHAHA!!!” He doubled over, holding his stomach as Lyra struggled to get back in the fight, holding off the wolf and the goblin, her side aching and blood dribbling down her chin as her lip swelled up.

“LANNIS!!!” she roared, eyes flashing with fury.

“Oh. Come. On! How the hell could I PLAN a shot like that? Huh? How can I hit you with someone elses’ swinging bowling ball on a chain from across the room? Trust me, you’ll laugh, and laugh, and laugh about this tomorrow. HAHAHAHH!!”

Meanwhile Brendon finally was able to get a good shot and fired (>+6 to hit, Red 12), the arrow beaming towards Smallpox. The goblin tried to dodge to the side but was still winged by the shaft (1d6 Damage, Red 1), hissing at the cut. “Finish the Fighter!” he ordered, hands waving in wider circles as he proceeded with his spell.

The wolf that Wyn had been fighting had savaged the elf’s cloak and bit around his legs (<+3 to hit, Green 4) but could never get flesh, the elf saved from a nasty bite. Lyra, even though she had been thrown off her defense briefly thanks to the Spinner’s chain and ball, was still able to mount a defense against the wolf on her (<+3 to hit, Green 12), saving her also from real damage.

With only goblin still in front of him, Kovid was able to block pretty much all of its attacks with ease (>+0 to hit, Teal 8), chuckling as he did so. Meanwhile Abraxas still on the ground, found himself defending himself awkwardly from the goblin who had run up with its sword, the selfsame greenskin that had magic missiled him earlier (>+0 to hit, +4 prone, Steel 16). He got struck a few times (1d6 Damage, Red/Black 2), but nothing more than some bruising to show for the goblin’s efforts. “Stop hitting me!” he growled, getting one leg under him.

From the cauldron, the two goblins with the pails redunked them into the boiling water while the other two had stepped in front of Smallpox, slings loaded in the hands, rocks ready to fly. Two more pails of boiling water were hurled at Abraxas (Save vs Death Magic, >Blue 13..>Blue 18 – damn man – you’ve made 4 saves so far from a gallon of scalding water!). He rolled to the side, most of it hitting the back of his breast plate and his backpack. Although some of the hot water did leak through the gaps and cracks of his armor, he steeled himself from the pinpricks of pain and ignored it.

The 2 slingers took aim at the Fighter and at Smallpox’s direction, unleashed their barrage at him (>+1 to hit, +4 prone, Yellow 17..<+1 to hit, +4 prone, White 2), only one of them actually hitting the fighter (1d3 Damage, Red 3, Take 2 Damage!) who gave a brief cough of pain.

Smallpox though finished up his spell and the air in front of him shimmered brightly like a hemisphere before fading from sight. He smiled at Brendon and then bent down and picked up a Crossbow already loaded at the side of the door. “Try shooting me now, Human.”

At the door, 4 hobgoblins in armor and wielding shields, spears, and swords, took on the melee and shoved their way in, three of them able to hit the Cleric almost immediately, while the 4th was still unable to enter the increasingly crowded chamber. From further in the room, we could hear banging and hammering on the door, and then doors, while a few voices in goblin called out, “Who the FUCK locked this door!”

“The door doesn’t lock, asshole.”

“Says you! By Corfard it’s LOCKED now! Get the key!”

“THERE IS NO KEY HALFWIT!!”

Wyn chuckled to himself as he pressed his attack against the wolf. “Here dey come, mes amis!”

Lyra was beset on multiple sides now. The wolf was savaging her rear and right, the goblin was also tangled on that side, but the three well armed and armored hobgoblins entered with a scowl and pressed their assault without delay. (>+3 to hit, Steel 19..<+3 to hit, Red/Black 11..<+3 to hit, Green 3) She ducked, dodged, and did what she could to block the hits coming at her, but they were wearing her down and she was struck a few times hard enough to make the Cleric’s jaw ache (1d6+1 Damage, White 4 – Take 5 Damage!).

(Initiative 1 vs 1. Tie, reroll. Steel 5 vs Enemy Red/Black 4)

Time now is Day 9, 7:53 AM

(OOC)

Ok! A few more dead, I cleared the dead from the last round out of the room. Abraxas, you are up this round, no negative, there is 1 gob on you. Wyn has a wolf, Kovid has a gob. Lyra has a wolf (wounded badly), a goblin, and THREE hobgoblins, with 1 more right behind looking to get in as soon as the battle shifts over a tiny bit. There are 2 gobs at the cauldron that keep throwing boiling water at Abraxas, and 2 gobs abandoned the cauldron and have taken up slings, standing in front of Smallpox who now has a crossbow. 2 gobs are still sleeping. There are ??? hobs still in the room, some are wondering how the fuck the door, both doors got locked, and I’ll check next round if they try to smash it open (will take time), or say fuck it and funnel in the Lyra door. You guys go – top of the round!

PBEM - Episode 371. The Trouble with Goblins

Goblins in my mind are not morons. They had faced the party a few times in places here and there, they've heard the stories of the group and their abilities, and they are on the bottom of the pecking order. Their leader, Smallpox, doesn't want to see his people chopped up, so after all this time, he has taken pains to have them be ready for the group's tactics.

Mice. Mice in their pockets. Each goblin carries 2 mice, and it reduces the effectiveness of the group's sleep spells by 2/3rd.

As for the Spinner, MANY years ago I was lucky enough to have a Warhammer Battle with a group of Night Goblins against my Brettonians and the player I was competing against dropped a platoon of Fanatics on the table. Made an impression on me then so much that every so often, I return the favor to my players.

Follows:

THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY ONE

(I/C)

 "I’ll give you that, Kovid,” Lannis whispered, getting his fingers limbered up for a spell. “It’s been a few hours since we killed anything, I'm getting shaky."

Nocking an arrow, Wyn nodded to the party, “Iffin dat gob wit de teleport gauntlets is in dere, aim fer him. Maybe try to take off his arm so he can’t port out, oui?”

“Magic people first,” Lyra agreed, Abraxas grunting in reply, twisting the shaft of the Scythe.

Lifting the hammer and brushing an imaginary speck of dust from its surface, Kovid muttered gleefully, “It’s clobbering time... again.”

"When is it not clobbering time?” The Magic User asked. “It seems like you take breaks from it, not the other way around.”

The dwarf chuckled. “Thor’s Balls, you got that right.”

“There ain't no party like a hammer party cuz the hammer party  just don't stop, or something like that?"

“Pick your targets,” Brendon said. “And let’s get in there quick. No loitering in the hall.”

Gripping the knob, Kovid counted down quietly from three…and then shoved the door open. Which gave a loud ringing sound as the bell on the other side of it sounded on its opening. (Surprise check -1, Red/Black 3 – no)

The room was fairly sizeable, and there were goblins in here. Lots of goblins. Over a dozen, they were surprisingly armed with a variety of weapons and given that they were seemingly doing laundry, they were also wearing leather jerkins and cuiriboulli pants. A large cauldron on a fire was in the far corner, and the back end of the room seemed to open up to another chamber. At the fastest glance, none of them screamed out ‘wizard’ or ‘artificer’.

But there was a door on the east wall, and there were 3 goblins there. “Hobgoblin room, people,” Kovid said. “That’s my guess.”

“Don’t see him!” Abraxas noted.

(Initiative Party Steel 3 vs Goblins Red/Black 2)

“Fuck it, middle of the room. ZU!” Lannis let his fingers fly and the smell of rose petals blossomed about as his spell shot off and struck a goblin already getting to its feet, her hands gripping a rusty mace and snarling. (4d4 hd: 2+1+1+2 = 6 hds)

And she fell over unconscious, followed a moment later by another goblin with a pair of wooden stakes driven through her ears.

“Um…That was…lame.”

“In!” Abraxas charged past Lannis, moving up as far as he could into the room, eyes scanning for harpies, or humans, or panthers, or anything, but instead the room was pretty filled with converging goblins so he cursed, “Malo! Saving de extra attack. You!” he spun the Morrigaan weapon up and around (>+8 to hit, Blue 18), knocking the goblin’s crude spear aside and then letting the weapon dance around his head, slashed it hard (1d8+4 Damage, Blue 3+4=7 and killed!!), tearing the goblin’s chest wide open.

“I’m on the door!” Lyra said as the three goblins there made to open it, scrabbling for the knob. She barreled into them, knocking one aside in her efforts but her flail (<+4 to hit, White 6) got tangled up in one of their clubs and she couldn’t finish the swing to brain one of them. “Ugh! Don’t let them open it!”

Meanwhile Kovid had entered and quickly engaged the closest knot of them, hammer leading the way (>+6 to hit, Yellow 14), where it cracked into a greenskin’s jaw with punishing force (1d8+3 Damage, Yellow 5+3=8 Damage and killed!!), snapping its neck and driving it to the ground. “Tag! You’re it!”

Pushing Wyn and Lannis ahead of him, Brendon dragged the door closed, muting the noise from getting to the hall and then took aim, “Hang on, Lass. I’ve got him.” He fired (>+6 to hit, Red 20 – Critical, Max damage – 6 Damage!), striking the goblin in the face. “Aiiii!!” it howled, letting go of the door handle as it hopped about screaming its head off. “Huh,” he mused, “This is the part where the usually fall down.”

“Un moment, Monsieur,” Wyn offered, taking aim at the same goblin that was making the terrible racket and shot it (>+8 to hit, Orange 18) right in the chest (1d6 Damage, Orange 1 and killed!), ending its screams with a gurgle and gasp. “Gotta hit dem 2 times sometimes.”

The last goblin was fighting with the Cleric to open the door, the two of them shoving one another in an effort to control the knob (Combative Str check: Lyra White 14 (over 5) vs Goblin Black 1 (under 8), with the Cleric quickly losing the fight as the goblin bit her on the hand, stomped on her foot, and then grabbed her by the hair and physically dragged her away long enough for it to turn the knob and shove the door open, yelling, “Here! Here!” in its language.

And hobgoblin voices from the other replied, “Shut up you little fuckers or we’ll pop your necks.” The sounds of sparring faded and then we heard. “Hey, Smallpox! Shut the damned door!”

And one of the nondescript goblins from the back of the room near the cauldron yelled out. “It’s the infidels you fucking morons!” It’s voice rising over the din of the combat. “You! Keep that door open!” it ordered the one that had shoved the portal open as he and another goblin next to him started to wave their hands quickly.

Crap.

Kovid had 2 of the goblins on him and the dwarf (<+0 to hit, Green 8..<+0 to hit, Green 17) weathered their attacks with little worry, his enchanted platemail ringing as they struck him.

Meanwhile at the laundry cauldron, two of the goblins each grabbed a pail of soapy water and flung the contents at Abraxas, soaking the fighter’s legs and the ground around him in sudsy, slippery water. The other two though, each dipped two smaller 1 gallon pails into the hot steaming cauldron, drew out some burning water, and hurled it also at the fighter. (Save vs Death Ray: >Purple 15..>Blue 11) Abraxas ducked his head on one of them, the hot water sluicing across his helm and across his back, singing him but not burning (no damage) and the second one was more on target, but it mostly struck him in the chest. Although it was hot and soaked his gambeson beneath, the majority of it had splashed to the floor (again, no damage).

“Get the spinner!” Smallpox called behind him, getting a grunt in response. “And loose the dogs!” getting another grunt.

Feet twisting on the floor in an effort to not slip on the suds, Abraxas looked up just in time to see the two magic using goblins finish their spells with a flourish, “IN BET GRAV POR!!” and each fired a glittering 3 foot long magic missile.

At him.

They streaked across and hit the Fighter through his armor, gyrations, and even sheer will (1d6+1 Damage each. White 6, Red 3. Take 6+1 and 3+1 Damage – Take 11 – ouch!!), slamming into him with a spray of spark and a clank like a hammer blow. “Madre de dios!” (Cannot Damage deflect it) One goblin drew its short sword and moved to close, while Smallpox remained back for now, hands still free.

As the spell ended a goblin was coming around the corner, holding a 4’ length of chain with a heavy metal ball at the end. He was giggling and laughing as he spun around faster and faster. “Go! Go! Go! Spinner!!” the goblins in the room cheered as the goblin was moving at a ridiculous clip, bounding his way forward and slammed the heavy metal ball at the Fighter (>+4 to hit, Teal 17). It sounded like a cannon shot as it impacted (1d8+1 damage, Red/Black 3+1=4 Damage!) at even just a glancing blow. It did drive Abraxas back a step (Dex check, slippery. <Blue 3) but he kept to his feet and brought his weapon around, looking for an opening to strike the crazed spinning greenskin.

Two wolves ran into the room, snarling and barking. One drove up and leapt at Lyra, the Cleric (<+3 to hit, White 10) just able to block its claws and teeth with her shield, while the second ran past and tried to take out the elf (<+3 to hit, White 11), who managed to kick it aside and its teeth caught air instead of flesh.

(Initiative Party Steel 4 vs Enemy Red/Black 3)

And through the open door, we could here hobgoblins coming. (Will be here at the start of their part of THIS coming round)

Time now is Day 9, 7:52 AM

(OOC)

Sleep seemed less effective for some reason. Hobgoblin door is open, don’t know how many. 2 gobs sleeping, 2 killed. 1 gob shot his only spell, Smallpox has not drawn a weapon yet, fyi. Lyra, Gob is blocking the door and wrestling with you and you have a wolf chewing on your other side. Abraxas, you can move from that spot, you will need to make a Dex check or less or fall. If you wait 2 rounds (this and next), no check will be needed as enough soapy water would have soaked up/drained away through cracks in the floor. Top of the round – once more: 2 gobs on Kovid, 1 @ door with Lyra, 1 (spinner) on Abraxas, 4 at cauldron, 2 at back one with a sword the other is Smallpox (they all look alike), wolf on Wyn, wolf on Lyra.

PBEM - Episode 370. The Trouble with Goblins

THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY

(I/C)

 “Good question, Drunky Mcgee,” Lannis whispered, looking north. "I don't see much benefit in scrying, unless you want me to try and see what's inside that room.” He glanced at Wyn, “Would be nice to lock a door, so they can't flee or surround us.”

Kovid rolled up his map and put it away. “Of the two choices then : sneak past father west, or open one of the doors and get into it. Take them by surprise.” He pointed north and south. “We’ve been north already and south is toward the dragon.”

The Magic user nodded, “An idea that's totally mine and no one else's is to wait for them to finish sparring so they're tired. So, between scry or punch? You know my feeling. As for the hobgoblins, not sure how long they'll be going at it already."

“I dunno,” Lyra held her flail and looked around, “We’re all rested up and ready for a brawl. Might as well just go for it.” 

“I agree with Lil Man,” Shaking his head, Brendon pointed at Kovid, “besides it gives em time to get very tuckered out.”

“Hokey den. Let's check ahead.” Wyn shifted his shield a bit higher and tilted his head back, chin pointing down the wall. “More info is betta. I'll lock deze doors 'wre to make sure dey don't come up from behind.”

"Si Señor Wryn es locking las puertas, we should be good to continue down the hall. Me gusta este idea. We go down the hall, y si hay es nunca, we come back and attack the tired Roberts. El mas vayamos down el hall, el mas los Roberts will spar themselves to exhaustion."

The party left the intersection and moved with slow care past the two doors. Wyn laid his hand against each, willing them to lock, and a keyhole appeared just below the first knob, and then again at the second. “Done,” he mouthed and the group gave him a thumbs up in reply.

It was another almost dozen paces before they came to a 3rd door on the south wall. Beyond it was more hallway but there was spilled stone and other debris that eventually seemed to choke off the entire hall. “You know,” Kovid muttered, “it’s not perfect, but this hall does sort of head off to the other collapsed area from the lower floor just to the west of the kobold warren. I think at one point they all linked up.”

“Think there was a room back there?” Brendon asked.

“It’s large enough for it, and then maybe a set of stairs down.”

“Problem for the new Ispan that Ator and Snakerella are looking for to fix,” Lannis shrugged.

The Scout stopped at the last door and listened, cognizant of the time they’ve been in the hall so far (<Hear Noise, -10% quick, Red 07) he made it quick as he gave the door a fast once over. “Ok, opens into the room. Goblin voices, talking low. Conversation level. Can’t make out what they’re saying. Sizable room, I can make out minimal acoustics. At least 5 goblin voices, but I don’t know if there are any more.” He sniffed and frowned. “And…dog. Wolf? Either or, there is the smell of it in there as well.” He turned his ear one more time. “And…water drops. Like repetitive. Water dripping into a basin? Best I can give you.”

“Tanks,” Wyn whispered, sword out and eyes on the door. “I’d rather fight greenskins den Roberts. Dere door is locked so dat gives us time if we want to go in and take em.”

“Kill goblins?” Kovid smiled, hammer held loosely in his hand. “I’ve eaten breakfast. It’s time for a workout.”

Time now is Day 9, 7:50 AM

(OOC)

Time is still on your side. Going in? If so, give me some plan and parameters.

PBEM - Episode 369. Bandages, Chimney, and West

THREE HUNDRED SIXTY NINE

(I/C)

Looking about the Garden, Kovid nodded slowly and suggested, “What do you say we start on the southeast side and work our way west, filling in the gaps in the map?”

Brendon gave a thumbs up, “I with ya Kovid. Let’s go.”

Head shaking slightly, Wyn began with, “Er, um, dwarfriend... I know ye took a nasty fall...and, well, are you ok?”

“Well” he shrugged, twisting his shoulder up and down, “that DID hurt. Dwarves are not natural climbers, don’t let any one of us tell you different.”

“Noted, Monsieur. But I tink it may be betta to try en take out some hobs before travelin towards de crazy magic lady en de crazy goblin guy. What if we went west... far from Corfart bum, en try our hand at killin’ some hobs. Anyone else?”

"Amigos, we should go west,” Abraxas pointed that way. “Away from El Lab, away from Mirrorball's room, away from Corflap's wyrm trail, y away from donde they last saw us.”

Lyra nodded, put pointed the other way. “I agree with all of that. But we can do all that and go southeast. Perhaps away from the very angry dragon that wants us very dead.”

“Si, Senora…”

Lannis held up a hand, interjecting, "I was talking to Abraxas and he said 'pour kay los sowt eaaast. Vamonos west much nachos' which I think means he wants to go west, who the hell really knows. BUT, after some careful consideration I agree with him, so let's go that way. Right big guy?"

“Exactly. El west may have Roberts, si, pero no majik o Elf head takers. We can clear out the Robertses' barracks, scry in el room de el Ogre muerte, y check out the Goddess sign at the intersection. Then we could head south and wrap it around. Hay es dos pesos mio."

(Combative CHA check: Kovid/Lyra/Brendon Red 11 (@ best, Under 2) vs Lannis/Wyn/Abraxas Blue 4 (@ best (-1 penalty Lannis), Under 8)

The group discussed it quietly for another half a minute before deciding that West for now would be the better of the two choices. “Anyway,” Kovid said with a grin, “we’re here to explore the rest of this castle before we kill this dragon.”

“Dat’s right,” Wyn agreed, shield out. He turned back to the Scout and gave Brendon a clap on his bicep, “Also, du Lac, when we get out of here I will make you a continual light stone.”

“Fantastic.”

“Fer now dough, I may need doze spells for sometin else.”

“Works for me,” Brendon said.

“That reminds me, serious wizard question here,” Lannis asked the elf, "What would happen if Abraxas ate a continual light cake?"

Wyn closed his eyes, thinking. “I tink…iffin you destroy de item wit de light…de light goes away... so notin. Maybe 10% chance of cancer.”

"No glowy poop? Lame."

“Senor, if glowy poop is an option, I say si, si, si.”

The group opened the door to the hall (no roll needed, checked earlier), and looked both ways. The hall was clear and following the Scout and Dwarf, they turned to the west and proceeded quietly and with care. In a short time they came to a 4 way intersection, various arches in place. There where arches of stone on the north, east, and west passages here, the south one had fallen to disrepair. The arches showed three of the elven goddesses in bas relief, Lolth to the west, Morrigaan to the north, and Theystra to the east. The Ishtari one to the south was broken some time ago.

Once again looking down the passages, south went on at least as far as the lantern light and kept going, west revealed two doors on the south wall (NOT a double door, 2 distinct doorways) as well as more passage beyond and north had a single door on the west wall that had led to the Ogre room as well as the passage continuing. It was quiet down the north and south passages, but to the west, they could hear the tink and clank of metal hitting metal with various force, as well as the lighter sound of tin and clay.

(Fighter, no roll) “Sounds like sparring practice,” Abraxas muttered from the back of the group.

“Yeah,” Kovid nodded, “You’re right.” The 2 doors were closed but the party could see light coming out from under them. “I’m feeling rather exposed just standing here people. Ogre room so Big Brain can scry, or do we pick a hall and start filing weapons in various hobgoblin orficies?”

Time now is Day 9, 7:45 AM

(OOC)

Don’t tarry. Where to?

PBEM - Episode 368. Bandages, Chimney, and West

THREE HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT

(I/C)

Feeling surprised, Wyn shook his head slowly and rubbed the back of his neck. “H’okay... so it looks like ye quatre want ta go check de locusts?” he gave the party an incredulous look. “I guess dats what we be doin’ den. If’n we do get dere dough, Wyn will stay towards de stairs... dat are very very close to de locusts... en keep listenin’ fer anytin dat be coming afta us. De rest of you kin ‘ave fun in dere.”

Laying one hand flat, Lannis pointed a finger into the palm of his hand, eyes flashing. "I think this idea sucks, and I implore you that it's not too late to just go back upstairs like we originally planned. What could possibly be in there that would make this worth doing now of all times?"

There was a bit of a pause while the party thought about it before Lyra began to speak. “Before we walk into a locusts room, maybe we should figure out what we do with the bugs first.” She held one hand up and gave weak smile. “I was just joking though, I don’t NEED to go to the locusts. It just seemed like a good area to hide out. No one would look for us there.” She sighed and went on ,”If we don’t have a plan of attack…we should just head somewhere else. Dining room – up chimney, maybe?”

Smiling broadly at the Cleric, Lannis thanked her, “Lyra, I take back ever bad thing I've said about you"

“Nevermind let’s go for the locusts. Lannis first!”

“Ugh!”

Abraxas gave Kovid a nudge, “Perhaps Señor Kovfik, si we set you en fuego, you can walk into the locustseses. Dices que quieres estar en fuego, ahora es tu... opportunity. Estas en fuego uno mas veces. Uno mas fuego. Uno mas, Kovgid Infierno!"

Looking please with the suggestion, Brendon rubbed his hands together and asked, “Well what’s the plan, Kovid are you flaming on or is someone using the invincible potion?”

Turning his head slowly to stare at Brendon, giving him the same steady blank stare the Scout had been known to give to others, Abraxas asked very slowly, “Por. Que. Would. We. Waste. Un. Potion. De. Invincible. En. Locustseses?"

"Why would we waste anything on them?” The Magic User sighed, “Especially now? It’s out of the way, too close to the stairs...why not just stay on task?”

The elf meanwhile was giving Lyra a steady glance, shifting his gaze around the hall. “Oh, Priestess I thought you was serious. Ok den just to be very clear... iffin we don’t want to do dis.... we can always just go to de dining room en proceed upstairs.” He gave a toothy smile. “Really. Don’t need to go back dere near de stairs where dey be guarding tings. We cen just make it upstairs trou de chimney en run ova to de orc room till we figure out what to do next.”

“But setting the dwarf on fire?” Brendon asked, miming fire washing over the Kovid’s head.

“Maybe Priestess shouldn’t use up one of those important spells fer something like a bunch of bugs. Maybe? Just sayin. Wyn’s vote still be to ignore de bigs en finish dis quest. Oui? Or no?”

Lannis gave the Fighter a plaintive look, “Abraxas, I promise we can check that room out before we're done here. Just not right now? Pretty please?"

Rubbing his chin in thought, Abraxas said, "Por un ‘Piece of Cake’,  I will agree, Señor Lonnies."

"HA!” Lannis gave a hug. "I'll buy you a whole cake when we get back, any kind you want"

“Ahahaha Thor’s ass I gotchya good. It makes no sense to mess with the little bugs now. Haha, silly Big Brain. Let’s go back up the fireplace and fuck up a dragon.

Kovid and Brendon walked back to the front of the group and after making sure the local halls were quiet (WMC: Pink 3), the dwarf started us off. We travelled east to the “T” intersection and then turned south, coming around to the Entrance Hall. We walked by the open room that Hoots had plundered of flesh a few days easlier and continued around to the North and east hall, taking it around to the main North Hall.

We passed the doors one at a time (>Find, -10% penalty, Red 39) without issue until we came to the Dining Room. A quick listen (WMC: Green 3), let us know the room was empty and we filed in one at a time, Abraxas shutting the door behind us.

The Scout had once again unfurled his longer length of rope and whispered, “Lil Man, can you shine the lantern up the chimney for me? I’ll tie this one, and if I give a tug, it’s safe to come up.”

“Will do.” The watched and waited as Brendon scaled the walls of the chimney again (<Climb Red 18) with no problem, disappearing around the pitched part. When he got to the grate, he slid the pins free and lifted the grate up and out of the way. He climbed up, listened around the garden again (no change), not hearing anything nearby. Satisfied, he quickly tied the rope to the inset dogs and let it slither down into the darkness. After it landed, he gave the rope a sharp pull.

“Big Brain,” Kovid pointed, “You first.”

Grabbing the rope, Lannis pulled (<Dex, +4 rope, Pink 2 – can’t fail) and made his up to the Garden with ease. Once there he made his way to the side and waited patiently, eyes fixed on the garden and its potential perils.

One by one, the rest of the party made their climb (Lyra <Dex, +4 rope, White 8… Wyn <Dex, +4 rope, Orange 17 – can’t fail… Abraxas <Dex, +4 rope, Blue 14), picking their way along and then lining up as close to the chimney as they could. It was gloomy up here, rainbow tinged sunlight was coming in through the ceiling, but there were still strange sounds coming from the south end of the room, hidden through the thick alien looking foliage. “Come on, Lil Man,” Brendon whispered down the hole.”

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Kovid replied, lantern hooked onto his belt. He grabbed the rope and began hoisting himself up. Hand over hand he made his way up the chimney to the pitched canted part, shifted one leg onto the shelf and leaned into the rope to get himself higher (>Dex, +4 rope, Yellow 20), and his foot slipped.

He brought his other foot up and hit the back side of the chimney. But his weight was off. And his hand slipped. “Thor…Shit.”

And Kovid slipped and fell 9’ down the chimney to land with a crash on the Fireplace in the Dining room, his armor making horrible scraping noises as he tumbled before hitting the flagstones (D3 Damage, Yellow 6 – Take 3 Damage!!) with the sound of cracking glass (Fragile Item Save, <White 2 – no).

“Kovid? Buddy? You ok?”

The dwarf groaned, rolling over and out of the hearth, he pushed himself to a seating position and looked around, listening. (WMC special double chance check, Red/Black 4 – no!!!) When no one came to investigate the sound, he shook his head clear and went back to the chimney. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ok. Hang on. Let me try this again.”

Going back to the chimney, he grabbed the rope and began pulling himself up one hand hold at a time. (<Dex, +4 rope, -2 just failed, Yellow 4) He made it to the canted part and then back up again to the vertical section, getting pulled through the rest of the way by the party and their helpful hands. “Wow, that was…not fun.”

“Monsieur,” Wyn pointed to the dwarf’s belt. “Your lantern.”

Unhooking it, Kovid lifted the lantern and gave it a look. The glass had a series of cracks in it, the brass housing had bent around the middle. “Wow. This would have been the end of the lantern for sure.” The continual light stone in the middle of it still shone brightly, and the lantern was cool to the touch. “Best timing on the spell there, elffriend.”

“Next time don’t fall like a fat drunk and you won’t have to worry about good spell timing,” Lannis suggested.

“What did you call me?”

“Nothing. I said ‘like’. I didn’t say you were.”

“Hmmpph,” he dusted himself off and watched Brendon as he shut the grate again and set the pins one more time. “Let’s go. Stay off the dirt.” The party followed the dwarf single file north, hugging the wall and then west to the door. Once there a quick listen (WMC: Red/Black 5) let us know the hall beyond was clear for now. “Where we off to?” Kovid whispered.

Time now is Day 9, 7:40 AM

(OOC)

Back at the Garden at the north door. Where we going?